TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

[lawyersum]

Hi everyone, hope 2025 has been good so far! I have a few questions about GDL start date. If the start date is in September but I for personal reason can only come back to the UK in October, is it acceptable that I only start going to class in October? To put it more bluntly, will the course provider/the firm likely to be very strict about me starting the course “on time” and in the event of me not doing so, will it jeopardise my TC?

Sorry this is an admin-ish question and not exactly TC related! But I cannot seem to find such precedent so I’d really like to know if it is viable. Thanks so much!

Not an expert on this situation but I would defo recommend mentioning your situation to grad rec at your TC firm. Maybe that way you can work out a solution together (e.g they can recommend negotiating with the GDL provider or you can suggest starting the course online for a month in September before you return to in-person in October). I am just brainstorming here but the first thing I would do is communicate with grad rec and let them know about your situation!

 

[Izzy1026]

Not an expert on this situation but I would defo recommend mentioning your situation to grad rec at your TC firm. Maybe that way you can work out a solution together (e.g they can recommend negotiating with the GDL provider or you can suggest starting the course online for a month in September before you return to in-person in October). I am just brainstorming here but the first thing I would do is communicate with grad rec and let them know about your situation!

Great perspective, thanks so much!

 

[lawyersum]

Great perspective, thanks so much!

No problem, I can tag @Jessica Booker for a more informed and experienced perspective too!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi everyone, hope 2025 has been good so far! I have a few questions about GDL start date. If the start date is in September but I for personal reason can only come back to the UK in October, is it acceptable that I only start going to class in October? To put it more bluntly, will the course provider/the firm likely to be very strict about me starting the course “on time” and in the event of me not doing so, will it jeopardise my TC?

Sorry this is an admin-ish question and not exactly TC related! But I cannot seem to find such precedent so I’d really like to know if it is viable. Thanks so much!

Will you be an international student on a student visa?

 

[Lawlawlaw2]

I have sent Harbottle & Lewis’s Grad Rec two emails over the past 2 months and have not received an answer. Is anyone in the same boat?

@Jessica Booker could you kindly tell me what I should do in such a case?

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

anybody got the freshfields sjt yet?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

I have sent Harbottle & Lewis’s Grad Rec two emails over the past 2 months and have not received an answer. Is anyone in the same boat?

@Jessica Booker could you kindly tell me what I should do in such a case?

Is the matter urgent or about the later stages of a recruitment process or is it a general enquiry?

 

[Izzy1026]

Will you be an international student on a student visa?

Yes! Will that make a difference?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Yes! Will that make a difference?

Yes, there is a possibility that the university will need you to attend in person due to certain restrictions with student visas - they can often get audited on attendance for international students, and can get fined if authorities think they are bringing people in on visas who are not attending the course.

It’s probably worthwhile speaking to your firm and see if they can get you a point of contact at the university who could confirm either way. There are likely to be some exceptions too though.

 

[DEANNAJG]

Anyone know DAC Beachcroft VI questions?

I just got sent them, any advice ?

 

[RS Sanjanaa]

Is this for direct TC or SVS? The SVS deadline was the 3rd of Jan and DTC deadline is the 31st of Jan. 🙂

I imagine they are going through SVS applications first and then DTC. 🙂

I applied for the SVS mid Dec and took the online WGT on Xmas Eve. I haven’t heard back either. 🥲

They get over 4,000 applications a year across all their opportunities: LiftOff, LaunchPad, SVS and DTC. 🥲

oh, I applied for the direct TC. I thought it was rolling

 

[Katy12345]

Does anyone know how many questions are asked for the bristows VI? It says on the platform it should only take 3 mins?? Thanks!!

How did you find it?

 

[Lawlawlaw2]

Is the matter urgent or about the later stages of a recruitment process or is it a general enquiry?

I asked about recruitment process in one then sent a document supporting the application in the other after submitting my app

 

[EA95]

Has anyone received the Freshfields online law assessment? I have received mine, and planning to do it later today or tomorrow. If anyone has done it, let me know if there is a segment that includes a video interview. Thanks

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

Has anyone received the Freshfields online law assessment? I have received mine, and planning to do it later today or tomorrow. If anyone has done it, let me know if there is a segment that includes a video interview. Thanks

weird how it's supposed to be automatic and i still haven't gotten it. anyway, how many days have they given for you to complete

 

[EA95]

weird how it's supposed to be automatic and i still haven't gotten it. anyway, how many days have they given for you to complete

From the email, I have until 9 am on 29/01/25 to complete it.

Also check your junk mail, it could be in there.

 

[futuretraineesolicitor]

From the email, I have until 9 am on 29/01/25 to complete it.

Side note- they have sent me the same email 3 times now.

Also check your junk mail, it could be in there.

just got it in my inbox , thanks. wondering who is gonna take one for the team and spill the beans on how the test really is haha

 

[EA95]

just got in in my inbox , thanks. wondering who is gonna take one for the team and spill the beans on how the test really is haha

Haha all I want to know really is if there is a segment relating to a one way video interview in the test. I don’t do well in these tests in general, but that bit there will kill my chances of progressing.

 

[Mug Fan]

Just got FF SJT as well. I already have an interview for another role this afternoon anyway so will probably tackle it later this evening or tomorrow.

Is it automatic? Or does this technically mean you've "passed" the application stage if you get sent the SJT? Thought I read others had a WG invite last week, or did they mean this?

ETA: just checked their website - sounds like it's automatic. Then a WG after if your successful in the SJT! Ugh!

FOR THOSE ASKING - THE EMAIL SAYS THERE IS NO NUMERICAL REASONING OR VIDEO INTERVIEW COMPONENT.

 

[Z48]

Haha all I want to know really is if there is a segment relating to a one way video interview in the test. I don’t do well in these tests in general, but that bit there will kill my chances of progressing.

The email says “Note there is no numerical reasoning or video interview component.”